Kerala Minister Distances Govt Over Alleged Pak Spy Jyoti Malhotra's Visit: 'She Visited BJP-Ruled States Too'

Kerala Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas on Tuesday clarified that the state government had no involvement in the selection or invitation of YouTuber and social media influencer Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested in May on charges of spying for Pakistan. Responding to media reports and political criticism, Riyas said the influencer had visited Kerala months before her arrest and was part of a broader group of content creators invited through empanelled agencies — a routine tourism outreach practice adopted across India.

"She has gone to several states. Now, BJP leaders have been saying there should be enquiry about this. She has gone to states ruled by the BJP governments also. So, are they saying that the respective state governments helped her in these kinds of anti-national activities?" he said.

On allegations of arrested YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra's visit to the state, Kerala Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas says, "Bringing influencers from outside the state to Kerala was not started today or yesterday. It has been there for a very long time. For that, empanelled agencies will… pic.twitter.com/1W4cj1Y1jE

— ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2025

 

Jyoti Malhotra Visited Kerala As Part Of Travel Influencer Campaign 

Malhotra, who was arrested by Haryana Police on May 16 under suspicion of espionage, reportedly visited Kerala as part of a travel influencer campaign. Following her arrest, BJP leaders demanded the resignation of the Tourism Minister, alleging negligence in the screening of participants.

Addressing these concerns, Riyas said, "State government doesn't know. The agency doesn't know. She has gone to many other states. She has gone to states ruled by different political parties. Are all the governments in those places responsible for this? The idea is to create unnecessary controversy. The people here understands all this. But this should not create a problem for the tourism sector."

He urged critics to avoid creating unnecessary controversy that could damage Kerala's tourism image. “Politically attacking ministers or government is natural but one should understand that this will affect the tourism industry and the tourism sector,” he said.

Riyas emphasised that at the time of her visit, no agency or authority had flagged Malhotra as a suspect. 

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